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Title:
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THE ENIGMA OF IMPACT: CAUSES AND COSTS OF BENEFIT IN A GHANAIAN E-HEALTH PROJECT |
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Author(s):
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Johannes de Kruijf, Eva Krah |
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ISBN:
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978-989-8533-32-6 |
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Editors:
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Piet Kommers and Pedro Isaías |
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Year:
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2015 |
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Edition:
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Single |
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Keywords:
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e-Health, critical ICT4D, Ghana, qualitative research, Foucault |
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Type:
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Short Paper |
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First Page:
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265 |
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Last Page:
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268 |
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Language:
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English |
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Cover:
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Full Contents:
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click to dowload 
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Paper Abstract:
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In a reflection on ICT4D, Unwin (2009) argues that a maximization of project benefit requires a critical understanding of both theoretical and practical dimensions of ICT. This short paper connects theory and practice in order to work towards such a critical understanding. It encompasses some analysis-in-progress based on data gathered in the context of an ongoing e-Health impact assessment in northern Ghana. Most importantly, our findings suggest a discrepancy between the scope of project objectives and the complex impact of interventions. Such discrepancy highlights the relevance of explorative research on the actual impact of ICT on development and confirms the urgency of a holistic investigation into the complexity and multifaceted character of transformation processes. We discuss how complexities emerging from our impact study reveal these challenges. Most notably are the issues of causality and power. A Foucaultian approach is taken to explore the latter and explain the intricacies of innovation and the socio-cultural embeddedness of interventions. |
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